Car Accident Under Investigation in Berkeley
A motor vehicle crash, described as a possible hit and run between several vehicles was reported in Berkeley on June 22. It is unknown at this time whether the car accident resulted in injuries or whether anyone was hospitalized as a result of the collision. The California Highway Patrol is seeking the driver who left the scene of the accident and investigating the cause.
What Happened
The accident occurred along Interstate 80 near Gilman Street just after 9:00 in the morning. An ambulance, tow truck and CHP officials arrived at the scene. The accident site was cleared in under one hour. The intersection at Gilman Street with Interstate 80 is one of the most dangerous spots for car accidents in Berkeley since there are eight lanes that exit and enter the freeway there.
Hit and Run Accidents
Under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a), an individual who is involved in an accident that results in injury or death is required to stop at the scene of the crash, provide their name, address, show their driver’s license to the driver of the other vehicle, and report the accident to the police. They are also required to give assistance to the injured person. Failure to do any of these things or to leave the scene of the accident can result in charges of hit and run, which carries serious penalties.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
- Stay at the scene of the accident and do not try to follow a driver who leaves the scene of the accident. This could cause you to get in another accident.
- Pullover to the shoulder if possible, and exit your car to wait in a safe place. If it is not possible to move the vehicle or exit the car, turn on emergency flashers.
- Takedown the other driver’s license plate if possible.
- Write down a description of the vehicle – make, model, etc. with any distinguishing marks such as damage from the crash.
- Call police for assistance and provide them with the license plate number, make and model during the call, so an alert to look for the other vehicle can start right away.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Phone your attorney if you have one.
Berkeley and Alameda County Hit and Run Crashes
Such accidents are not uncommon in the city of Berkeley and the surrounding county. In 2014, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 61 injuries and deaths caused by this type of accident, which ranked Berkeley as the eighth highest city for hit and run accidents in 57 California counties. In Alameda County, there were a total of 876 accidents where the driver left the scene resulting in either injuries or the death of another individual. Alameda County had the highest number of the 58 counties in California.
How a Berkeley Accident Lawyer Can Help
As an experienced hit and run accident lawyer, we have the finances and ability to take all steps necessary to locate the driver who fled the scene of an accident. We work closely with the police and forensic specialists, and conduct reconstruction of the accident scene, interview witnesses and accumulate all and any evidence to be found. However, it is important to contact an accident attorney as quickly as possible because as time passes, it becomes more difficult to locate the driver.
Berkeley Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Berkeley car accident lawyer. If you or your family member have been injured in a hit and run accident, please call me at (510) 631-0200 locally or (800) 404-5400 at my toll-free number. I offer free and friendly advice.
Previous client reviews can be found on Yelp, Google and on Avvo, a site that includes legal rankings. The results of some of my prior cases are found at Verdicts and Settlements.
I have worked as a California injury lawyer since 1982, proudly serving the people of Berkeley and Alameda County with wrongful death and traumatic injury claims.
I belong to Million Dollar Advocates as a California member. This group allows membership for top accident lawyers who have attained settlements or verdicts over a million dollars.
At my website Autoaccident.com, you will find informative articles on all types of personal injuries.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/squad-car-police-lights-city-urban-1209719/
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